July 1, 2014

Western States 2014 - The Thread that Runs Through

Photo courtesy of Bob Szekeresh

Sometimes it takes longer. No, it always takes longer. But
when it comes, it is all that I need. All that I reach for. And more. But it
isn’t easy. To wait, patiently, with my head down, doing the hard work.

When I started writing this post, I just had to get up and
walk away. The words weren’t there. Then I remembered. And how could I forget?
I just completed Western States 100. This time, finally, on my third try, the
lesson was learned. What did I remember? That if I really want something, I cannot go to it. It has to come to me. And when it does, I best be ready.

It wasn’t until I saw the lights of No-hands Bridge at mile
97 that I realized it had finally come to me. And, this time, I was ready. I ran with a single plan. One
purpose. To get through this menacing trail without letting it consume my spirit
like it has in the past. To run into all its elements, its traps, its deceptive
descents, and then run out of them, on
my terms, all the way to the finish line.

I chose to run Western States solo this year, which is
without a crew and a pacer. I’m glad I did it this way, because of the volunteers.
There was an older man at the Robinson Flat aid station, his name was Perry,
and he took me to a chair so I could sit for just a minute or two. He helped me
with my drop bag and told me that he too had run the race several years ago. He
was proud of that. We talked for a while as I fiddled with my supplies. Then he
sent me on my way. And I thanked him. There were many other moments like this
one.

To put yourself into the hands of others, people you’ve
never met before, and let them help you when you are at your weakest, with no
other motivation than to just help you,
well that is really something. And to see an acquaintance you barely know
waiting for you at the finish line at 3:30 in the morning, who stays with you
for several hours to make sure you are ok, well that is really something too.
It is this thread—to help others—I’m finding that runs through our sport. This
is what I will remember the most about Western States this year.

As I ran toward the finish line, I raised my arms into the
air. It had to come the hard way. It always comes the hard way. But when it
came, it was all that I needed.

Willy, you are my motivator, AWESOME work this year at WS. I have to get going again and try to be ready for Saltwater. Life's crazy busy, but you are proof there is always room for running, just have to find it...big hug, proud of you!

About Me

I'm a father, husband, son, brother, runner and CEO. I took up running after college to keep it real and take the edge off of daily life. Follow me along my journey to run ultra marathons and other mind altering events.

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